No Life Hacks Here
By Pastor Doug Cox

Wikipedia defines a life hack as any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life. You can find life hacks about peeling onions, different uses for zip ties, shucking corn without leaving silk strands and more. As useful as all of these can be we must understand, there is no life hack that will produce the spiritual strength needed to overcome the devil and his temptations. (Please read Matthew 4:1-11)

In Matthew chapter 4 we find that at the beginning of Jesus ministry He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. In the process of this wilderness ordeal Jesus fasted forty days and nights. How grueling this must have been for Him. It makes us wonder why Jesus would have to go through that.

One answer is to prove He was fully human like us. Another is that if He didn’t experience temptation like we do His ministry would be invalid. He had to experience every aspect of life that we face, good and bad. Hebrews 4:15 in the NLT says, “this High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.”

Notice it says Jesus faced the same testings we face. The difference between us and Him and the first Adam and Him is He (Jesus) never tried to hack His way to the blessing. Adam wanted to be like God, so he ate of the forbidden fruit. Adam somehow, forgot he was already created in the image of God while Jesus remembered who He was and that He was destined to suffering. In His hunger He chose not to use His power to turn stones to bread, but instead to trust God to meet His needs.

Next Jesus was tempted to jump off a pinnacle. Again, the devil was trying to get Him to use His power for personal benefit. Think about how a spectacular leap from a pinnacle with angels swooping down to save Him would have brought instant fame and audience. Jesus recognized it for what it was. A misuse of scripture about Him not dashing His foot against a stone. (See Psalm 91:12) Jesus responded, no life hack here. “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”

Finally, the devil’s third life hack promised Jesus could have authority over all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “Just fall down and worship me” the devil said. Jesus responded again. No devil, God doesn’t accept life hacks so get lost. It is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

So what can we learn? We learn that there might be an easier way to peel an apple or scrub the floor or to wash your car, but there is only one way to be strong spiritually. Do like Jesus. Know what is written and apply it to your life.